acceptable housing - Tri County Women`s Centre

Transcription

In search of
Affordable and Safe
HOUSING
for everyone in Digby, Yarmouth & Shelburne Counties
YARMOUTH COUNTY STATISTICS – FALL 2013
“Housing is one of the most fundamental needs for Nova Scotians and their families. And its impact goes
well beyond our basic requirement for shelter. Our homes – and the communities they are part of –
shape nearly every aspect of our lives: health, educational achievement, success in the workplace, even
the security of our retirement and our dignity in old age.” (A housing strategy for NS, Spring 2013)
Introduction
Acceptable Housing & Core Housing Need
The term acceptable housing refers to housing
that is adequate in condition, suitable in size
and affordable.
 ADEQUATE housing does not require
any major repairs, according to
residents.
With the recent release of “A Housing Strategy for Nova
Scotia” and at a time when partnerships are being formed
across South West Nova to explore the housing needs of its
residents, this document aims to help inform decisions by
providing relevant statistical information, specific to our
communities, on its core housing needs.
What is the extent of the need?
 SUITABLE housing has enough
bedrooms for the size and make-up of
the household. (See National Occupancy Standard
requirements)
 AFFORDABLE housing costs less than 30
per cent of before tax household
income. (Shelter costs include rent or mortgage
payments, property taxes, condo fees along with any
payments for electricity, fuel, water, and other
municipal services.)
A household is in CORE HOUSING NEED if its
housing does not meet one or more of the
adequacy, suitability or affordability
standards and it would have to spend 30 per
cent or more of its before-tax income for
alternative local housing.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2006 Census Housing Series
Yarmouth County Housing Statistics
Average rents in South West Nova range from $556-$579
(2011 Census Data), and almost half of renters are paying
more than 30% of their income on housing, placing them in
core housing need.
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HOUSING CONDITIONS IN YARMOUTH COUNTY
The following Geographic definitions are used, as per Nova Scotia Community Counts, when presenting
and comparing data for Yarmouth County:





Yarmouth County is comprised of the following communities as defined by Nova Scotia Community Counts Website:
Acadia First Nations, Amiraults Hill, Arcadia, Argyle, Carelton, Hebron, Port Maitland, Pubnico, Quinan, South Ohio,
Tusket, Wedgeport, and Yarmouth.
The District of Yarmouth includes the following communities: Acadia First Nation, Arcadia, Carleton, Hebron, Port
Maitland, and South Ohio.
The District of Argyle includes the following communities: Amiraults Hill, Argyle, Pubnico, Quinan, Tusket, and
Wedgeport.
Yarmouth 33 includes the Indian Reserve.
The Town of Yarmouth includes Yarmouth.
19 % are Seniors
17% are Lone Parents
20% make less than
$20,000/yr
22% are low income
12.5% are unemployed (2013)
76% own their homes
48% of renters are in core
housing need
From 2006 to 2011, the overall population of Yarmouth County has decreased 3.8 percent, from 26,277
residents to 25,275 respectively. Over a 10 year period, the population has decrease 5.8 percent with an
increase of 25.1 percent in the number of seniors aged 65-74 years. In addition, the number of residents
aged 55-64 has also increased by 42.2 percent. As the population ages into retirement years the impacts
on acceptable housing (adequacy, suitability and affordability) will be numerous.
In addition, higher unemployment and low-income rates, an aging housing stock, increasing shelter
costs, and ongoing waitlists for social housing are all contributing to a core housing need in Yarmouth
County.
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Occupied Dwellings in Yarmouth County
The total number of occupied dwellings in Yarmouth County has remained stable over the last 10 years,
experiencing only a 1.4% increase from 2001 to 2011. In 2011, the number of private dwellings in
Yarmouth County totaled 10,790. Across the county, 76% (8,155) of residents own their homes while
24% (2,575) rent.
As illustrated in the Type of Housing Occupancy graph, the overall percentage of residents that rent or
own their homes across Yarmouth County is similar to the distribution of Nova Scotians in general.
However, it is clear that the majority
of renters can be found in the Town of
Yarmouth (1,715) and those living
outside the town boundaries typically
own their homes; only 280 dwellings
in the District of Argyle are rented,
and 580 in the District of Yarmouth.
A greater percentage of tenants in
Yarmouth County (22%) are in
subsidized housing as compared to
tenants across Nova Scotia (14%).
The majority of dwellings outside the
Town of Yarmouth are owned,
approximately 90%, and these
represent the greatest number of dwellings across the county (3,625 in the District of Yarmouth, 3,100
in the District of Argyle, 1,425 in the Town of Yarmouth). Supporting the changing needs of renters vs.
owners presents different challenges and requires different supports, all of which needs to be explored
as housing related initiatives are undertaken.
Households by Size and Type
According to Statistics Canada, there has been a steady decline in fertility, accompanied by a decrease in
the death rate and an increase in life expectancy. The population is aging and family composition is
smaller than it once was, these changing demographics will have an impact on housing needs. What was
suitable, adequate and affordable in previous years may not be in years to come.
The population of Yarmouth County is also shifting, since 2001 the percentage of 60-64 year olds
increased by 64% and similarly for almost all 5 year age groups over 45 years, the percentage of change
increased. Conversely, there has been a reduction in the percentage of the population for all age groups
less than 45 years. Seniors (65+) now make up 19% of the Yarmouth County population, up from 17% in
2006.
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This same shift is also visible from 2006 to 2011. The overall distribution of the population is aging and
children and young people comprise a decreasing portion of the population.
As population demographics shift, the size and types of households in Yarmouth County have also
changed. Statistics Canada divides private households into two groups: family and non-family. Family
households refer to households that contain a least one census family, that is, a married or common-law
couple with or without children, or a lone parent living with one or more children. Non-family
households refer to either one person living alone in a private dwelling or to a group of two or more
people who share a private dwelling, but who do not constitute a census family.
In Yarmouth County, the average number of persons per household, 2.3 people in 2011, has gone down
by 8% since 2001. There are fewer households with 3 or more persons and an increase in the number of
non-family households (up 19.2% between 2001 and 2011, up 23.5% in NS). The data for Nova Scotia
shows the same trends in percent change since 2001. (NS Community Counts, Census Data).
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The 2011 Census data for Yarmouth County shows that 67% of people are living in households of two
persons or less. These numbers and the percentage of change since 2001 are comparable to the
provincial averages. Overall, household size is decreasing. Approximately 17% of families are loneparents (1,335 families); 11.7% (2,900) of people in private households live alone.
The types of households that people are living in are also changing. Non-family households, those either
living alone or living in a group, but not considered a family, are on the rise for both Yarmouth County
and provincially.
Nova Scotia had an increase in the percentage of people living in multi-family households, but this
decreased in Yarmouth County since 2001. However the number of multi-family households is up from
2006, it simply has not yet reached the levels reported back in 2001. Although multi-family households
only make up 1% of the types of households in Yarmouth County, this percentage represents 150 private
dwellings in 2011. Approximately 68% of households (7,020) are one-family households and 31% are
non-family households (3,230). These trends may be helpful when planning the types of housing options
required to support the housing needs of residents and reflective of the changing population
demographics.
A greater percentage of dwellings in
Yarmouth County are single detached
houses (80%) compared to Nova Scotia in
general (67%). Provincially there are higher
numbers of apartments, semi-detached, or
duplex style dwellings than in Yarmouth
County.
In terms of growth between 2001 and 2011,
Nova Scotia saw a rise in all types of
dwellings; particularly semidetached/duplexes (up 12%) and
apartments (up 17%). Growth for single
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detached houses was 5.7% provincially. Yarmouth County’s growth between 2001 and 2011 was much
more modest, almost 2% more single detached houses, 1.2 % more semi-detached/duplexes
(representing only 10 additional dwellings), and an increase of 8.2% for apartments. The most
noticeable change from 2001 to 2011 for Yarmouth County was a decrease of 64% in movable dwellings
from 165 to just 60.
The District of Yarmouth and the District of Argyle have fewer apartments, semi-detached and duplex
options. In the more rural areas outside the Town of Yarmouth, approximately 95% of housing options
are single detached dwellings.
Shelter Costs
Approximately half (1,225) of renters in Yarmouth County are spending more than 30% of their total
income on housing costs, placing them in core housing need. Although less than 15% of home owners in
Yarmouth County are spending more than 30% of their total income on housing costs, this represents
approximately 1,055 home owners across the county. Additional factors including the aging population,
period of dwelling construction, and condition of dwellings could potentially impact the core housing
needs of home owners in the future.
In total, 2,280 homes are potentially in core housing need, 54% of these are renters. This represents a
core housing need of approximately 21% of households across Yarmouth County, higher than the
provincial rate of 14%. In terms of actual households, this represents an estimated increase of 745
homes since 2006.
The Town of Yarmouth has the greatest percentage, 37%, of households spending more than 30% of
total income on shelter costs, more than 2.5 times that of the provincial rate. The majority (81%, 940)
rent their homes.
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In both the District of Yarmouth and Argyle the
majority of those in core housing need own
their homes. The District of Argyle has the
lowest percentage (9.2%) of households in core
housing need, of those, 77% (240) are home
owners. The rate for the District of Yarmouth is
19%, with approximately 73% (585) being home
owners.
Since 2006, the average monthly shelter costs
for owned and rented dwellings have increased
across Yarmouth County. Home owners in the
District of Yarmouth experienced the largest
increases since 2006. Rental costs in the Town
of Yarmouth increased the most since 2006.
The impact of increases in average monthly shelter costs corresponds to increases in the percentage of
households in core housing need. For home owners in the District of Yarmouth, where average shelter
costs increased by $147, core housing need went from 13% in 2006 to 16% in 2011. For renters in the
Town of Yarmouth, where average shelter costs increased by $62, core housing need went up from 48%
in 2006 to 55% in 2011.
With respect to the average value of dwellings
between 2006 and 2011, homes in Yarmouth
County increased but not as extensively as homes
across Nova Scotia. In Yarmouth County, the
average value of dwellings increased by
approximately $24,000 compared to homes across
Nova Scotia, which increased by almost $44,000
since 2006. In 2011, the average value of a dwelling
in Yarmouth County was $156,800. The highest
average values were reported in the District of
Yarmouth at $167,000.
Since 2006, the number of homes in Yarmouth County requiring major repair has declined from 1,155
(11%) in 2006 to 890 (8%) in 2011. Overall, these numbers are lower than the provincial rate. The 2011
Census data provides only the number of homes in need of major repair and does not distinguish
between those requiring regular maintenance and minor repair.
Homes in Yarmouth County are, however, much older than the average home across Nova Scotia. As
illustrated in the Period of Construction graph, approximately 45% of homes across Yarmouth County
were constructed prior to 1961. Despite the recent decline in rates of homes in Yarmouth County
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requiring major repair, additional factors could impact the ability of residents to maintain their homes,
including; an aging population, high unemployment, low income rates, and a housing stock that is much
older (and possibly more expensive to heat and maintain) than most across the province.
Consumer Price Index
“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an indicator of changes in consumer prices experienced by Canadians. It is obtained by
comparing, over time, the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. Since the basket contains goods
and services of unchanging or equivalent quantity and quality, the index reflects only pure price change”. (StatCan, CPI)
The Consumer Price Index provides additional context on the degree of change in consumer prices over
time. This information is helpful when interpreting the available 2006 and 2011 Census data in today’s
terms. As illustrated in the table below, overall shelter costs in Nova Scotia (rent, water, fuel, and
electricity) increased an average of 2% each year since 2008. Water, fuel and electricity costs alone
increased an average of 5.8% each year.
Consumer Price Index, Shelter (Nova Scotia)
All Items
Shelter
Rented Accommodations
Owned Accommodations
Water, fuel, electricity
All Items - Canada
All Items
Shelter
Rented Accommodations
Owned Accommodations
Water, fuel, electricity
All Items - Canada
2002 = 100
2008
115.9
125.5
105.0
120.9
153.3
114.1
2009
115.7
124.0
106.3
123.2
139.3
114.4
% change from previous year
3.0
-0.2
7.1
-1.2
0.9
1.2
5.2
1.9
15.5
-9.1
2.3
0.3
2010
118.2
125.5
107.8
124.3
141.7
116.5
2011
122.7
131.2
109.1
126.5
160.5
119.9
2012
125.1
135.2
110.7
128.7
172.3
121.7
2.2
1.2
1.4
0.9
1.7
1.8
3.8
4.5
1.2
1.8
13.3
2.9
2.0
3.0
1.5
1.7
7.4
1.5
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Income Levels
Nova Scotia’s average weekly earnings are the second lowest in the Country at $713.56 for 2008 and
$789.71 for 2012. Average weekly earnings across Canada ranged from $742.10 to $1,290.33 in 2012.
(Statistics Canada: Earnings, average weekly, by province and territory).
Median income varies greatly based on family structure and living arrangements. Groups of two or more
persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other are referred to by statistics Canada
as “Economic Families”.
Economic families and couple
families have the highest median
incomes and may be less at risk
of being in core housing need.
As illustrated in the Median
Income Graph, lone parent
families and persons not in
economic families have median
incomes well below the median
income for economic families;
placing them at greater risk of
being in core housing need.
Median income levels have
increased for all groups from
2006 to 2011.
Median income is considered a better measure over average (mean) income for how the majority of
people are doing financially. The median income represents the true middle value; 50% are above it, and
50% are below it. Median income is not affected by the highest and lowest values as are averages
(means). Median incomes for Yarmouth County residents are lower than both the provincial and
national averages regardless of family structure or age group. Income levels for seniors and youth in
census subdivisions (i.e., Yarmouth County) for 2011 are not available at this time.
Income Distribution
Income inequality in Canada has increased over the past 20 years. The richest group of Canadians
increased its share of the total national income between 1993 and 2008, while the poorest and middleincome Canadians lost share. The growing gap signals that income growth is distributed unequally.
(Conference Board of Canada, 2013). The richest 10% of families saw their wealth increase by more than 123%,
meanwhile, the net worth of households in the bottom 40% stagnated or declined. The poorest 10% of
families fell further in debt. (Income, Wealth, and Inequality. Fact Sheet #6 Citizens for Public Justice).
The end result is a decline in the purchasing power of low income people; they are less and less able to
pay for basic necessities such as housing, food and transportation. (The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013).
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According to the 2011 Census data, approximately
41% of households in Yarmouth County had
income levels between $20,000 and $60,000
compared to 49% in 2006. The percentage of
households with income levels under $20,000
remained the same from 2006 to 2011. The
percentage of households reporting income over
$100,000 rose from 10% in 2006 to 14% in 2011.
Income quintiles are a way of ranking average
incomes from the poorest to the wealthiest and
grouping them into five segments. Each segment,
or quintile, contains approximately 20% of the
population. Quintiles dividing Yarmouth County and Nova Scotia incomes into approximate 20%
segments have much lower income levels then the quintiles of incomes for Canadians in general.
Almost twice as many households across Canada report incomes over $100,000 compared to Yarmouth
County households. Although the percentage of Yarmouth County households with high incomes is less,
the number of households in the middle and upper-middle range is similar to the provincial rate
(approximately 43%). A greater percentage of Yarmouth County households have incomes under
$20,000, compared both provincially and nationally.
Description
Quintile 1
Quintile 2
Quintile 3
Quintile 4
Quintile 5
Poor & near poor
Lower-middle or modest
income
Middle income
Upper-middle income
High income or well-off
Income Range
Under $19,999
$20,000 - $39,999
$40,000 - $59,999
$60,000 - $99,999
Over $100,000
Percent of Households
Yarmouth Co.
Nova Scotia
Canada
20%
15%
13%
23%
22%
19%
18%
25%
14%
19%
25%
20%
17%
25%
26%
When comparing income distribution by household type (all households, one person households, and
two person households), those in one person households make substantially less financially. The graphs
below illustrate how a family in each household living arrangement compares to the other for both
Yarmouth County and Nova Scotia according to 2006 Census data. Data from 2011 is not yet available
according to household type at this level of detail for census subdivisions (i.e., Yarmouth County).
The income distribution trends in 2006 for Yarmouth County and Nova Scotia were very similar.
Although a slightly higher percentage of households across Nova Scotia made more than $100,000 (13%
in NS; 10% in Yar Co.) and Yarmouth County reported a slightly higher percentage of households making
less than $20,000 (20% in Yarmouth; 18% in NS). Comparing income distributions from 2006 to 2011,
trends between Yarmouth County and Nova Scotia are changing. Whereby, Nova Scotians now report a
greater percentage of households with high income (up from 13% to 20%) and fewer poor income
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households (down from 18% to 15%). For Yarmouth County, the percentage of poor households
remained constant at 20%, while well-off households increased from 10% to 14%.
Prevalence of Low Income
Several interesting facts were published by the Conference
Board of Canada in a hot topic web publication titled
“Canadian Income Inequity; Is Canada becoming more
unequal?” including:
 That between 2000 and 2009, every province except
Ontario reduced its low-income rates. However,
between 2007 and 2009, seven out of ten provinces
experienced a rise in their share of the population
living in low income. During that time NS rates
increased 1.1%.
 That welfare income is not as high as it was prior to
1994. For example, for a single parent with one
child, average welfare income fell from nearly
$18,200 in 1994 to just above $17,000 in 2009.
LOW INCOME RATES IN NS SINCE 2006
“Nova Scotia followed the national trend
for low income at the provincial level
under all thresholds. Under Low-income
cut offs (LICO), the incidence at the
provincial level was tied to that at the
national level. But under Low-Income
Measure (LIM) (from 1978 to 2009) and
Market Basket Measure (MMB) (from 2000
and 2009), low-income rates in Nova
Scotia were significantly higher than the
national averages. A somewhat
discouraging sign for this province was
that, from 2006 to 2009, the gaps between
the provincial and national incidences of
low income under LIM and MBM became
wider than they were before 2006.”
 That after 20 years of dramatic reductions, Canada’s
(Statistics Canada; The Evolution of Low Income in
elderly poverty rate has been rising since the midProvinces and Territories, Chapter 4).
1990’s with the biggest jump occurring in the group
of elderly women. Between 2006 and 2009, nearly
128,000 more seniors were said to be living in low
income. Of that, 70% were women. (http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/hot-topics/caninequality.aspx#ftn20-ref).
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The 2010 House of Commons report on poverty identified 10 groups that were most at risk of
experiencing low income: children, lone-parent families (particularly female lone-parent families),
women, unattached individuals, seniors, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, recent immigrants,
visible minorities, and low-wage workers.
As indicated in the text box above (Low Income Rates in NS since 2006), the 2011 Census data confirms that
Nova Scotia and particularly the Town of Yarmouth, have low income rates that are well above the
national average for all age groups.
Statistics Canada measures “low income” using several different measures. The percentage of people
estimated to be living in low income varies depending on the measures used.
“Using Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut Off (LICO), in 2008, 75,000 persons in Nova Scotia were
estimated to be living in low income after tax and transfers. Using the Market Basket Measure
(MBM), 113,000 Nova Scotians were estimated to be living in low income. According to the Low
Income Measure (LIM) after tax, 158,000 people were estimated to be living in low income.”
(The Cost of Poverty in Nova Scotia, Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, October 2010).
The Low Income Cut Off (LICO) identifies those who are substantially worse off than the average. The
measure indicates an income level at which a family may be in strained circumstances because it has to
spend a greater portion of its income on the basics (food, clothing and shelter). LICOs are based on the
relationship between the incomes and the consumption patterns of Canadian as observed in 1992, the
last year in which overall household spending on food, shelter and clothing were estimated. In that year,
it was determined that the average family, regardless of size, spent 43% of its after-tax income on food,
shelter and clothing. Families spending more than 63% of household income on these essentials are
deemed low income. (Statistics Canada, Low Income Cut-Offs)
According to the 2011 Census Data, in Yarmouth County, almost 50% of rental households spend 30% or
more of their income on shelter costs alone. The average cost of the “National Nutritious Food Basket”
for a family of four, across Nova Scotia, has increased from $572.90 in 2002 to $850.59 in 2012. (Can Nova
Scotians Afford to Eat Healthy, Report on 2012 Participatory Food Costing). The estimated average cost of the
“National Nutritious Food Basket” in South West Health (Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne Counties), in
2012, was $825.77. These increases are potentially placing many families in Yarmouth County in very
strained circumstances. LICO percentages are not available for 2011 Census Subdivisions.
The Market Basket Measure is more sensitive to regional differences as it takes into account the cost of
a predefined set of goods and services. The price of this “basket” of goods and services accounts for the
regional cost of living when setting low income thresholds. (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:
Glossary – Measuring Low Income) In 2009, an estimated 10.6% of Canadians were living in low income based
on the MBM threshold. (Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Income Inequality).
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The following chart provides some context to the income levels placing families under the LICOs and
MBM threshold in 2011:
1 Person
2 Persons
4 Persons
Market Basket
Measure (2011)**
4 Persons
$12,629
$15,371
$23,879
$37,269
$14,454
$17,592
$27,329
$37,443
Low Income Cut Offs by Family Size
(Statistics Canada, 2011 Census Data)*
Rural Areas
Population under
30,000
(2 adults, 2 children)
*Table 202-0801: Low income cut-offs after tax by community and family size, 2011 constant dollars, 1992 base.
**Table 202-089: Market Basket Measure Thresholds (2011 base) for reference family of two adults and two children.
Statistics Canada provides detailed subdivision census data using the after-tax low-income measure
(LIM). The LIM measures the per cent of households earning less than 50% of the median adjusted
household income. The term adjusted indicates that household size is taken into account, reflecting the
fact that a household of six has greater needs than a household of two. (Statistics Canada, Low Income
Measure).
As seen in the Prevalence of Low Income graphs below, using the LIM, a greater percentage of
households in Yarmouth County are meeting thresholds for low income, for all age groups, compared to
the provincial and national rates.
Low income rates in the District of Yarmouth and Argyle are comparable to the Nova Scotia rates for all
age groups. The most noticeable trend is the high prevalence of low income measures concentrated in
the Town of Yarmouth, reaching over 50% for children under 18, almost three times that of the national
rate. Census data shows low income measures in the Town of Yarmouth that are more than double the
provincial and national rates in all age groups.
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These numbers also compare with the percentage of households in core housing need; whereby the
greatest concentration of households in core housing need are located in the Town of Yarmouth. In
addition, it corresponds with the location of services, available public housing options, availability of
apartments/duplexes and limited public transportation services across the town and county.
Housing options and supports to address the needs of those experiencing low-income in ways that
foster healthy, vibrant and diverse communities (as defined in “A Housing Strategy for NS”) across the
town and county may require changing how housing supports and options are distributed
geographically.
Standard of Living
Scenarios outlining the expenses considered essential for a basic standard of living in Nova Scotia are
defined in the 2012 report, “Can Nova Scotians Afford to Eat Healthy?” These expenses include shelter,
food, telephone service, transportation, clothing and footwear, childcare as well as personal care
expenses and household cleaning supplies. The scenarios presented do not include other common
expenditures such as educational materials, medications, dental care, household maintenance expenses,
recreational activities, or costs related to special diets for medical reasons, etc.
The results of their findings indicate that median income households have enough money each month
to cover their basic costs of living, including also having some money left over each month for
emergencies or other financial needs. In comparison, households earning minimum wage (including
households in which one adult works full-time and the second adult works part-time at minimum wage),
or receiving Income Assistance are not able to cover their essential household expenses in addition to
the cost of a nutritious diet. (Can Nova Scotians Afford to Eat Healthy? Report on 2012 Participatory Food Costing).
Included on the next page, are some of the scenarios presented in the report, reflecting the strain
placed on many Nova Scotians attempting to maintain a basic standard of living. The estimates released
in this report clearly indicate, that for households experiencing low income, it is impossible to afford
both nutritious food and maintain a basic standard of living which includes adequate, affordable and
safe housing.
With higher than average rates of low income households, a rise in the senior population and an older
than average housing stock in need of repair, the core housing need (and homelessness) in Yarmouth
County is likely to increase unless action is taken.
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Scenarios from: Can Nova Scotians Afford to Eat Healthy? Report on 2012 Participatory Food Costing.
Page | 17
Unemployment Rates
Since the 2006 census, unemployment rates for
Southern Nova Scotia (which includes Shelburne,
Yarmouth, Digby, Queens and Lunenburg) declined until
2008, at which point rates began to rise. From 2008 to
2010, rates increased with a slight decrease in 2011,
rising again into 2013 to nearly 2010 levels. The
unemployment rate pattern for Southern Nova Scotia
since 2006 is similar to provincial and national patterns
until 2011, at which point national rates remain
relatively stable and local and provincial rates begin to
climb. Southern Nova Scotia rates are the second
highest in Nova Scotia, behind only the Cape Breton
region. (Rates for 2013 include data from Jan-June).
The unemployment rates reported by Statistics Canada
in the 2011 Census data under labour force status
provides additional information specific to how the
census subdivisions compare to the provincial and
national rates. Rates in Yarmouth County are somewhat
higher than those for Nova Scotia and Canada.
The participation rate for Yarmouth County, 59.9%, is
slightly lower than the provincial rate of 63.1%. The
participation rate is indicative of the share of the working-age population that is working or looking for
work (comprised of those who are employed and unemployed, combined). Overall, participation rates
across Canada are expected to decrease given the aging population and recent low fertility rates.
(Statistics Canada, Participation Rate).
In 2009, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released “In From The
Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness”, and acknowledged that while there
may be compelling evidence that employment is the most likely route to an adequate or better income,
employment alone is often not sufficient to bring individuals or families out of low-income
circumstances. Increasingly, a single job is not enough to support a family, even if it is full-time and at
minimum wage.
Much of the evidence on the failure of employment to provide the anticipated route out of poverty
focused on the increase in precarious employment: i.e., a shift from full-time permanent jobs to more
temporary or part-time jobs, with irregular hours, low wages or few if any benefits.
Those at greatest risk of non-standard work are those who have higher than average poverty rates,
including young people who have less than or only high school education, women who leave the work
force to care for children or aging family members, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. (In
From The Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness. Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs,
Page | 18
Science and Technology, 2009). Anecdotally, residents of Yarmouth County would certainly be experiencing
many of the factors associated with precarious employment, placing them at additional risk for finding
themselves in very strained circumstances and core housing need.
Educational Attainment
With respect to educational attainment, of the
total population 15 years and over, a greater
percentage of Yarmouth County residents have no
certificate, diploma or degree.
According to the publication No “drop” in the
bucket: the high costs of dropping out, published
in February 2009 by Canadian Council on Learning:
“An individual’s educational attainment is one of
the most important determinants of their life
chances in terms of employment, income, health
status, housing and many other amenities.
The intangible costs of not completing high school are numerous. Many high school dropouts experience
negative outcomes as a result of their decision to leave school, including diminished social growth, a
reduced sense of control over their lives and life circumstances, and less personal satisfaction.
The tangible costs are no less numerous: directly or indirectly, dropping out of high school has enormous
fiscal implications for government, society, and individual school leavers in terms of expenditures in
health, social services and programs, education, employment, criminality, and lower economic
productivity.”
With higher dropout rates, Yarmouth County is also likely experiencing many of the intangible and
tangible costs associated with lower educational attainment, consequently impacting the core housing
needs of residents.
Page | 19
Social Housing Options in Yarmouth County
Approximately 22% of tenant households in Yarmouth County are in subsidized housing. The Nova
Scotia rate is 14%. (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census Data). In July 2013, there was a waiting list of 166 housing
requests with the housing authority.
The following is a breakdown of the types of social housing programs across Yarmouth County.
Western Regional Housing Authority:





Senior Public Housing – 306 units
Family Public Housing – 168 units
Rent Supplement Program – 53 units
Affordable Housing Program – 13 units
Rural & Native Housing Program – 36
The waitlists vary and it is very difficult to predict when or how many units will be available in the
months to come. Some areas/units are in higher demand than others, and there are times when there
are chronic vacancies (units to fill with no one on that particular “area” waitlist).
Current waitlist stats as of July 11, 2013 are as follows:
166 Units
Family Applications / Senior Applications (over 58 yrs) / Non-Elderly (40 – 57 yrs)



Town of Yarmouth : 33 Families 60 Seniors 29 Non Elderly
Municipality of Yarmouth: 21 Families 11 Seniors 3 Non-Elderly
Municipality of Argyle: 5 Families 4 Seniors 0 Non Elderly
Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) - Referrals and funding are
provided through Community Services, waitlists are also managed by them.


10 homes (approximately 36 individuals)
23 Apartments
Four Corners Housing Co-operative

122 units (40 subsidized)
Page | 20
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
"There’s an intense burning
odor (like ammonia) going up the
stairs at the front door. I called
my landlord and he told me to
get a carpet cleaner and clean
it up myself. He hasn’t put the
screens up yet either… I have
two little kids and it’s not safe
for them."
“I just got a full time job and I
was hoping to find a better place
for me and my daughter. I
looked, but I’m so disappointed
at how expensive everything is…
I’d need about $1,000 a month
with utilities. I’m trying so hard
to do and provide for my child…
working, healthy food and a
decent, healthy place to live. It’s
so frustrating when all I can
offer her are these slummy
places to live.”
ACCEPTABLE
HOUSING:
Adequate,
Suitable,
Affordable
"My husband and I are on
social assistance recieving
$1225 a month. Our rent is
$675 including heat and lights.
We have money challanges to
buy food and other necessities
to keep us healthy. We can be
warm but are hungry."
"I’ve asked my landlord for a dehumidifier for the basement, it’s
really damp. I had to remove the
toys from the playroom because
there is mold growing on
everything. I’ve only lived here
for 2 months, I can’t afford to
move again, but I don’t think all
this mold is safe for us either. I
don’t know who can help?"
"I would like to apply for
social housing, but there are
no family units in my
community. Getting into
social housing would mean
leaving my community; my
kids would have to change
schools and I wouldn’t be
close to where my family
lives."
"The chimney needs to be fixed
before we can use it and it’s already
October. We still have no heat. I’ve
had to send the kids to mom's
because it was too cold for them
here. I found out I have to fill out a
form at Access Nova Scotia for a
mediation hearing, but there’s a fee.
I called the 1-800 number, and after
pressing 5 or 6 different numbers, I
finally reached someone who said
that’s what I had to do to make a
complaint. I just wish the landlord
would fix the chimney so we can
start using it, it’s cold."
Page | 21
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
As a senior, where can I go and
be taken care of? I'm not being
abused, I don't qualify for long
term care, and I'm not ill enough
to be in hospital. I'm all alone
and I need a place I can afford
plus help with meals, personal
care and houshold chores.
ACCEPTABLE
HOUSING:
I'm 80 years old with a fixed
income and I suffer from
dementia. I don't have any
family to help take care of me.
I need assistance with daily
living and medications. It took
a long time, but I finally found
a private boarding home I can
afford. They help me with
some of my needs.
Adequate,
Suitable,
Affordable
Add your story!
Email: dvacon@swndha.nshealth.ca
Tel: (902) 742-3542 ext 1131
I only get the old age pension.
How can I afford to pay for all
the repairs and upgrades my
insurance company wants. I
made a choice, for the first
time in 55 years of living here, I
have no insurance!
Page | 22
The Nova Scotia Housing Strategy - Spring 2013
Building Community and Affordability for Nova Scotia Families; A Housing Strategy for
Nova Scotia was released this spring. Its goal is to ensure that Nova Scotians can find
the housing choice that’s right for them and their families, at a price they can afford, in
a healthy, vibrant community that offers the services, supports and opportunities they
need.
The political climate is right, as provincial and federal governments set into motion
strategies that aim to build partnerships with communities, residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and local governments to address housing related needs. We
thereby need to form strong local partnerships that can identify gaps and create
opportunities to improve the housing situation in our communities.
The State of Homelessness in Canada, 2013 (A Homeless Hub Research Paper)
www.homelesshub.ca. “Average Monthly Cost of Housing People” side bar is from this report.
In section 4.1 Addressing the problem, the authors of this paper point out that finding a
solution to homelessness in Canada will require a shift in focus, from crisis management
to permanent solutions.
They state:
“We need to work to ensure that individuals and families experiencing crisis have access
to permanent, appropriate, safe and affordable housing with the support to sustain it.
All this must come together in a coordinated, planned and cohesive strategy that is
supported and implemented by all representatives in the community, including
governments.”
They also offer the following interrelated areas of activity that communities can engage
in as part of an effective response.
Focus on Prevention; put in place measures that ensure people will have the
income and supports they need in order to reduce the chance that people will
lose their housing.
Emergency services (shelters and day programs); because no matter how well
developed the preventatives measures, there will still be crises that produce
homelessness.
Range of housing options and strategies that emphasize prevention and rehousing (with supports), with emergency services designed to help people
quickly transition through a crisis.
Countries with more strategic and coordinated approaches emphasizing prevention and
rehousing are experiencing greater success in tackling homelessness.
Page | 23
EXISTING COMMUNITY SUPPORTS – YARMOUTH COUNTY
HOUSING: Shelters, transition houses, social housing
Shelters: There are no general homeless shelters for adults in Yarmouth County.
Youth Homeless Shelter: Split Rock has access to one emergency bed for youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
Transition House: Juniper House is a safe shelter for abused women and their children in Digby, Shelburne and
Yarmouth. The house is located in Yarmouth and has room for 15 women and children. Tel: (902) 742-8689 or 24
Hour Emergency Line: 1-800-266-4087.
Western Regional Housing Authority manages social housing programs and is located at 10 Starrs Road,
Yarmouth. Tel: (902) 749-4369. The waitlist reported in July 2013: 166 Units.
Eligibility for programs is based on max household income levels (approximately $29,000 for one person) and
residency. Available programs include:




Public Housing: These units are for seniors and families and are fully subsidized based on income. Senior
units are calculated at 30% and family units are calculated at 25% of income levels. Heat and lights are
included. Units are maintained by the housing authority.
Native and Rural Housing: Units are owned and maintained by the housing authority and tenant rent is
calculated at 25% of their monthly income. Heat and lights are not included.
Rent Supplements: Units are owned by private landlords but must be inspected by the housing authority
to be approved under this program. Tenants pay 25% of their monthly income and the remaining fair
market rental value is subsidized by the housing authority. Tenants receive additional funds if they are
required to pay their own heat ($57 a month in 2013).
Affordable Housing: Units are owned by private landlords in partnership with the housing authority.
Tenants pay 30% of their monthly income and the remaining fair market rental value is subsidized. Heat
and lights are extra.
Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) provides residential support for
children and adults challenged with disabilities. The agency aims to enhance each person’s potential to live, work,
and socialize within the community in the least restrictive, most inclusive manner. The YACRO office is located at 6
Thurston Street. Tel: (902) 742-9258.
Available programs include:



Independent Living Program: Varying levels of assistance are offered, depending on the needs of
individuals.
Small Options: A home in which 1-3 adults challenged with a disability reside in the community with the
assistance of qualified staff.
Specialized Options: A home for 1-4 children whose disabilities make it impossible to live in their family
home.
Page | 24
Four Corners Housing Co-operative is a not-for-profit, board run, housing co-operative located throughout the
Town of Yarmouth. The office is located at 66-B Havelock Drive. Tel: (902) 749-0608.

Anyone can apply to become a member of co-operative housing; income is only a consideration when
a subsidy is requested. Rental fees range by income and are calculated at 27% of family income plus
utilities (water is included). There is a minimum rent amount of $335.
SUPPORT & ADVOCACY FOR HOUSING RELATED ISSUES
Juniper House Outreach – Tel: (902) 245-0231. The Outreach Worker is available to provide individual
counseling, crisis intervention and referral, support and advocacy, social support and housing, support groups and
public education.
Split Rock Learning Center – located at 255 Main Street. Tel: (902) 742-5509. Split rock operates a federally
funded homelessness program for youth (16-30) and has a housing coordinator who offers three main services.
Housing retention: Assistance in working out issues with family, property owners or guardians so youth can remain
where they are. Housing placement: Assisting youth to obtain housing and engage community supports as
necessary. Support Services: One-on-one supports around budgeting, cleanliness, understanding rules and rights,
accessing mental health and addictions, employment services, etc. Split Rock also has a drop-in learning center
staffed with youth workers. They offer assistance with resume and cover letters, returning to school, finding work
and navigating available services.
SHYFT (Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team) – located at 6 Trinity Place. Toll Free: 1-855-781-3111. SHYFT
Youth Services is a Tri-County service for at risk and homeless youth (16-24). Programs and workshops are offered
for youth and they can access bathroom and laundry facilities. Meals are shared and prepared in the available
kitchen space.
Tri-County Women’s Centre – located at 12 Cumberland Street. Tel: (902) 742-0085. The Tri-County Women’s
Centre receives calls on housing and works with the broader community of housing services and advocates to find
housing for at risk and homeless people. This often means accessing support services outside the county (e.g.
Halifax).
Continuing Care Nova Scotia – located at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Services Intake Tel: 1 (800) 225-7225.
Continuing Care provides an array of services to clients in the community including; long term care placement,
adult protection services and home care services which includes nursing, home support and oxygen services.
Available supports help individuals remain in their own homes.
Page | 25
HEALTH SERVICES
Addiction Services - located at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, 60 Vancouver Street. Tel: (902) 742-2406
Mental Health Services – located at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, 60 Vancouver Street. Tel: (902) 742-4222
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Income Assistance (Department of Community Services) – located at 10 Starrs Road. Tel: (902) 742-0741.
Employment Insurance (Service Canada) - 13 Willow Street.
Canadian Red Cross – located at 41 Highway #1, Dayton Mall. Tel: (902) 742-3656.
Heat: Good Neighbour Energy Fund (Jan to April) Tel: (902) 742-2519; Community Fuel Fund (Jan-March) Tel:
(902) 742-6906; Tabitha Center (902) 742-8960.
Food Bank – Yarmouth Food Bank Society. Tel: (902) 742-0918.
Clothing Bank – Salvation Army Thrift Store Tel: (902) 742-2519; Parents Place Tel: (902) 749-1718; Tabitha
Center Tel: (902) 742-8960; Tri-County Pregnancy Center Tel: (902) 742-3865.
Emergency Financial Assistance – Tabitha Center Tel: (902) 742-8960; Split Rock (for Youth 16-24) Tel: (902)
742-5509.
Household Goods: Salvation Army Thrift Store Tel: (902) 742-2519; Tabitha Center Tel: (902) 742-8960.
Page | 26
Conclusion
Four factors have been identified by the Canadian Medical Association in their July
2013 report on “Health Care in Canada: What makes us sick?” as having the most
substantial impact on health in Canada at this time: They include income, housing,
nutrition and early childhood development.
“A good home is a fundamental requirement for a healthy life, and a critical
component of a comprehensive economic policy.”
(Wellesley Institute, Precarious Housing in Canada, Summer 2012)
The statistics included in this summary document for Yarmouth County provide some insight on the
general status of housing occupancy, housing stock, population demographics and income levels that
impact the potential resilience of residents to experiencing core housing need and homelessness. Given
what has been reported, it is clear that many individuals are potentially finding themselves in very
strained circumstances and at risk.
This summary report outlines a definite need for the community to come together to begin to identify
and better understand the housing needs of its residents. It provides evidence that there is a need to
engage others to address housing related issues and to enhance collaboration among partners.
The CHOICE Housing Committee (Community Housing Options Initiative though Collaboration and
Engagement) is currently working to do just that. In addition, this group hopes to work closely and
collaboratively with the new housing entity established as part of the “Housing Strategy for Nova Scotia”
(Spring of 2013) to ensure all residents of Yarmouth County have access to one of its most fundamental
needs; adequate, suitable, affordable and safe housing.
Summary report for housing conditions in Yarmouth County prepared by:
Denise Vacon
Health Promoter, Public Health Services
(902) 742-3542 x 1131 Dvacon@swndha.nshealth.ca
Fall 2013
Page | 27
Page | 28

acceptable housing - Tri County Women`s Centre

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